title: Use of microcomputers for self-assessment and continuing education in anaesthesia.
abstract: The suitability of computer-assisted self-assessment was evaluated as a means of quality assurance in anaesthesia. Altogether 202 anaesthetists participated in four trials of the method. Analyses of their performance in a self-assessment programme dealing with obstetric anaesthesia showed significant differences in the levels of knowledge of anaesthetists practising for different numbers of years. The acceptability of computer-assisted self-assessment ranged from 91% to 100% for the four trials. Similar programs have been shown to be of value in medical education and thus computer-assisted self-assessment appears to fulfil simultaneously the functions of self-assessment and continuing education. The criteria for a method of quality assurance are met.
mesh_terms: D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003201:Computers; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D008838:Microcomputers; D012655:Self-Evaluation Programs